1. The BUTEX 12th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2016
The role of the English Language Unit at Bath Spa University in supporting Learning Abroad students
Sarah Sibley: Academic Coordinator, English Language Unit
Hugh Osborne: Senior Lecturer, English Language Unit
Bath Spa University

2. International students Summer 2015

3. Bath Spa University’s Vision
Our vision is to be a leading university in creativity, culture and enterprise. Through inspirational teaching and research, we transform students’ lives. Based in a World Heritage city and connected to a network of international partners, Bath Spa University will ensure that its graduates are socially engaged global citizens.

4. Who are Learning Abroad students at BSU?
8,500 total number of students 1,118 international students 60 learning abroad students

5. Key stakeholders Learning abroad students IRO/ELU
Academic departments & tutors
Other students

6. What the ELU currently provides
Pre-arrival testing
BSU Web pages (communication platform)
Pre-sessional classes
In-sessional support (EAP courses/language surgeries/1-1 tutorials)
Raising staff awareness workshops
Social events

7. Our research Focus groups 5 groups 6-15 students
more than 10 nationalities represented
Interviews
18 students interviewed
12 nationalities represented
Data collected between March 2015 and May 2016

8. What the students said (1)
Issues
What students say
Work load:
lack of equity?
‘My friends at other universities just have parties, but I have 5 essay deadlines.’
‘I haven’t got any assignments. I want to learn more.’
Feedback:
Timely?
‘I want a high score. I don’t know if I will fail or get a high score.’
Feedback – This student had been here two months with no assignments yet, no grades to benchmark her academic performance. At home, she had had weekly assignments.

9. What the students said (2)
Issues
What students say
Academic conventions
‘In my country I never write a formal essay.’ ‘My tutor says my essay is not critical, but I do not understand.’
‘My English language is not academic.’
‘What is a presentation?’
Grade conventions
‘I only received 62%. In my country I always receive more than 90%’
‘I don’t understand what first, second and so on means.’
What country do you think the first quote student is from? Germany!

10. What the students said (3)
Issues
What students say
First day attending a module
seminar
‘It was so nice. My tutor welcomed me and I know all the other student names.’
‘My module leader did not know who I am. He did not see my name on the class list. I feel embarrassed.’
Communication between link tutors
‘My tutor from home did not respond my s. I felt lonely and confused. I want to ask questions’

11. What the students said (4)
Issues
What students say
Continued support with assignments once students have returned home
‘I did not have someone to help with my work when I went back home. I feel worried about this’
‘It was so good because the ELU said that they can support me by or on skype tutorials’

12. What the students said (5)
Issues
What students say
Emotional/confidence issues
‘I can not do the work. I cry all the time.’
‘I miss my mum so much. I feel sad but I tell her I am happy. She worries about me.’
‘I have ideas but I am not confidence to talk to other students.’
‘My English is not good.’
‘I thought my English will get better but I do not speak much in class.’

13. The Future Data collection – the student voice – action Develop links
Comprehensive training for staff
Working group to ensure parity of experience
Pre-arrival and arrival - integration for students
Website academic language glossary
Conversation/fluency classes